The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has indicated that the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries—called Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs)—will be able to provide curbside pickup to patients and caregivers during the coronavirus outbreak, according to a MassLive.com report.
Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker deemed medical cannabis businesses essential, allowing them to remain open as the state responds to the pandemic.
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MCTs must conduct sales electronically or over the phone as of noon on March 28, MassLive.com reported, and dispensary employees can dispense medical cannabis products in the facility’s parking lot or at the entrance of the dispensary.
MCTs that wish to provide curbside pickup services must submit a standard operating procedure to the CCC that includes an updated facility layout identifying the designated curbside pickup areas, as well as traffic queuing plans and signage to direct patients to the areas, according to MassLive.com. Municipalities must also be notified of dispensaries’ plans to conduct curbside sales, the news outlet reported.
MCT employees must verify the patient’s age, registration status and patient allotment to complete the curbside pickup transaction, according to MassLive.com, and dispensaries must maintain video camera coverage of areas where cannabis is handled and dispensed.
Massachusetts joins other states, such as Oregon and Illinois, that have allowed cannabis retailers to temporarily conduct curbside sales amid the coronavirus outbreak.
